PROVISIONS OUTLINED.

Shannon News, 7 April 1926, Page 3

PROVISIONS OUTLINED.

BY DISTRICT REGISTRAR. “Considerable misapprehension still seems to be existing in the minds of workers and employers in to their obligations under the Apprenticeship Act, 1923,’’ stated the district registrar (Mr. J. Lowden )when in conversation with a Palmerston “Standard” reporter! Mr. Lowden' pointed out that, under the latest amendments, every agreement, whether made in writing or not,, between employer and worker, where by the employer agrees to teach, and the worker agrees to learn any industry, shall be deemed to be a contract of apprenticeship. The registrar further pointed out that every contract must be reduced to writing forthwith and signed I *.,by all the parties, and that this signed document must, be presented for registration within 28 days from the commencement of employment. Any failure'renders each and all of the parties liable to a, fine of £lO. ‘ ‘ Considerable misapprehension also seems to exist in regard to the probationary period,” continued the registrar. “He pointed out that, while it was tlie custom under the awards that three months’ probation was allowed before any contract was signed or any notification sent to the registrar,' this position was now altered, the present law being that the agreement entered into must be reduced to writing immediately the t employment is -begun, and that if the apprentice was found unsuitable at the end of .the probationary period provided, (usually three months), the said contract might then be cancelled at the wish of any party and notice of such cancellation sent- to the registrar. “It has, however, to be pointed out,” continued Mr. Lowden, 4 that failure to register any written or signed contract will not affect its validity, but the parties remain liable to the penalty. The Act applies to all workers and employers who aro bound by anv award of the Court of Arbitration, and to all such apprentices employed by such employers, and to all contracts of apprenticeship between such employers and apprentices in any industry'. Every transfer of an apprentice and the termination 1 of any contract for any reason must be notified to the district registrar in the form prescribed.”